"Out of Nowhere, It Attacked": When Feeding a Wild Boar Goes Wrong

How would you react if a wild boar crossed your path during a hike? Most people would probably run away in fear, but not Ronael Rivera, who was enjoying a hike on Mount Apo, the tallest mountain in the Philippines.

Ronael was part of a large group camping at the base with plans to climb the mountain. At some point, he decided to approach a wild boar to feed it and take a photo.

However, the hungry animal did not appreciate his close proximity. "Suddenly, it attacked me," Ronael explained after photos of him approaching the wild boar were leaked online.

He claimed he was trying to clean up trash scattered by the boar after it rummaged through their makeshift garbage bin. "I wasn't trying to feed it," he defended himself after many online critics condemned his actions.

"Hikers can become curious and get too close to animals that aren't friendly and can even become aggressive," explained Kim Del Calzada from the visitors center near the mountain. "By nature, the wild boar attacked him when it felt threatened."

As a result of the attack, Rivera's jacket was torn, but fortunately, he wasn't physically harmed. "I see this as a lesson for myself and my fellow hikers, and we'll probably be more alert and aware in the future. This isn't our first hike in this area, and it's surprising to know that wild boars can be so aggressive without provocation."

"Respect nature when you're 'visiting' it," Del Calzada advised in a statement from the Davao area center. "Be cautious and don't threaten wildlife. Keep your distance to stay safe."